A Guide for the Married Man

A Guide for the Married Man is a comical, romp of a movie that was released in 1967. The film is a farcical exploration of vows and infidelity, starring the iconic Walter Matthau renowned for his humorous turn in roles, Inger Stevens who is a paragon of grace and charm, and Sue Ane Langdon who brings her lighthearted comedy style to the mix. Produced by Frank McCarthy and directed by Gene Kelly, this comedy is a ride into the risky world of clandestine affairs.

The film centers around two main characters, Paul Manning (Walter Matthau) and his best friend, Ed Stander (Robert Morse). While they may seem like typical suburbanites working professional jobs and residing in idyllic neighborhoods, they find themselves grappling with questions of fidelity and adventure. Paul is a sweet and endearing man, happily married to the enchanting Ruth Manning (Inger Stevens), yet he finds his curiosity piqued by his friend Ed's tales of escapade. Ed, a freewheeling bachelor who's more laissez-faire about his relationships, actively engages in numerous extramarital affairs. He convinces Paul to contemplate the idea of having an affair, claiming it will add an element of excitement to his otherwise monotonous life as a married man.

Throughout the movie, Ed serves as the titular 'guide' for Paul, who's essentially an unassuming, yet susceptible 'married man.' He methodically presents to him the dos and don'ts of maintaining an affair without getting caught—a task he seems to accomplish with seeming finesse in his own life. Ed's quirky philosophy of adultery paves the way for several interesting characters and scenarios that paint an almost caricatured image of infidelity.

This witty film scores high on the humorous index with its caseload of funny characters and farcical situations that serve as vignettes throughout the plot. Comedy legends like Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, and Joey Bishop make cameo appearances, thereby amplifying the humor quotient even more. These comic exploits unfold amid intriguing plot developments that keep the audience guessing about the characters' decisions and their consequences. An interesting aspect of the narrative lies in the close shaves with discovery and the schemes that Ed employs to keep his secret.

'A Guide for the Married Man' showcases impressive performances by its star cast. Walter Matthau, with his classic cynical humor, is superb as the reluctant student of infidelity who's torn between his fidelity to his wife and the adventurous tales spun by his friend. Robert Morse, on the other hand, is convincingly persuasive as the casual but skilled practitioner of infidelity who guides Paul down a path he wondered but never ventured. The women in this film, notably Inger Stevens and Sue Ane Langdon, contribute immensely to the humorous foundation that holds the narrative together. They oscillate between the earnestness of their roles and the outrageous set-ups in which they find themselves.

This movie is not all about laughs, though. Amidst the comic situations and animated performances, it addresses the issue of marital fidelity and the easy swaying of a seemingly content man into the seedy world of affairs under peer pressure. The script by Frank Tarloff, who also penned the novel of the same name, is a smart commentary on marriage and friendship. Gene Kelly displays his directing chops well, sketching perfectly timed sequences that keep the comedy flowing with rhythm and finesse.

In conclusion, A Guide for the Married Man stands as an interesting exhibit of 1960s comedy. Its narrative embraces the humor in life's daily realities and explores the humorous camaraderie of two friends challenging the norms of monogamy. Satiric, hilarious, and occasionally provocative, this movie blends moments of farce and shrewd socio-cultural commentary. Its comic escapades, coupled with its commentary on marriage, friendships, and societal pressures make it an entertaining watch.